I’ve taken somewhat of a blogging hiatus this past summer, simply because I’ve been trying my best to have as much fun as possible.
However, September brings many new opportunities and the chance to really stretch my mind. This semester, I’ll be teaching four classes: two basic writing skills classes at Passaic County Community College and two creative writing classes at Rutgers University. I will also be polishing my manuscript, pursuing freelance writing gigs, and continuing to write for Jersey City Independent. Oh, and I’ll be updating this blog!
One of the most important things I’ve learned this summer grew from a piece of advice dispensed by one of my yoga instructors: “proceed as the way opens”. I love the way these words spark my imagination. I envision myself in a dark tunnel, stepping gingerly to avoid rocks and snakes and using my hands to feel for the path.
A Quaker proverb, this mantra has reminded me numerous times that I cannot expect my life to follow the rules I make for it. Of course, I need to set some rules for myself – these rules become the map that I will try to follow. However, I also need to know when to break or ignore the rules.
This summer, I have developed a new-found love for cell phone photography. Snapping photos with my iPhone and then editing them with Instagram or some other app is an easy way for me to express myself and indulge my creativity, even when I’m having a busy day.
I have ideas for photos I want to take of my neighborhood, but I don’t want to take them until the conditions are as close to ideal as possible. For example, I’ve been wanting to capture a photograph of a certain alleyway, but I haven’t yet seen it in exactly the right light.
Some people might say to seize the moment, even if the moment isn’t completely right, but I believe you should wait for the way that is opening. I will throw myself wholeheartedly into whatever makes me feel comfortable. I have come to sense the way that is opening for me.
I have learned to listen more carefully and trust my intuition so that I can pay better attention to the way I give to the world.
I need to treat my life as a game of Jenga: slowly pull on a wooden block to see if it will give. If I can pull the block from the stack, then I’ll be able to add it to the top, growing taller and also – in some ways – more vulnerable. And isn’t letting yourself be vulnerable the way to remain creative?
(Photo by Avolore)
I’ve noticed you’ve pointed the camera away from yourself more often lately ( sad face ). But you are right, your IPhone imagery is definitely evolving into something that shows another facet of your artistic talents. Coffee table book incoming? Let’s hope so.
Life’s obligations normally tend to turn artistic people into dullards. They feel they have to choose pragmatism over passions. It’s comforting to see just one example on how an artist may thrive in the face of ever-growing responsibilities.
Keep up the good work.
Sam